10 players who could join Barcelona in January

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 6 min read

Barcelona may be in financial difficulty, but the La Liga leaders have shown a knack of pulling off the impossible in the transfer market.

Joan Laporta masterminded a spectacular summer of transfers for the Blaugrana. Even if all of these deals have not yet worked out, they at least show that the club is still capable of pulling off coups in the window.

When the 2023 January transfer window opens, they will be wheeling and dealing once again. Indeed, Spain’s Financial Fair Play laws mean it could actually be beneficial for Barcelona to make their big moves next month.

Any deals, though, hinge on the club being able to get players off their wage bill first.

But who are they likely to be chasing?

DENIED: Barcelona block two January transfers

Bernardo Silva (Man City)

Bernardo Silva remains Barcelona’s dream signing, although quite how they might be able to capture the Manchester City man over the January window is anyone’s guess. Barca worked to find an agreement with the player in the summer but reaching terms with Manchester City proved impossible and the move broke down. It is likely to be just as testing this time around. Any chance of this hinges on Frenkie de Jong being sold.

Mohammed Kudus (Ajax)

A breakthrough player at the 2022 World Cup, Ajax and Ghana forward Kudus has exploded onto the scene over the course of the last year. Young, versatile and with the potential of sell-on value, there is plenty of upside to this breakout talent.

Juan Foyth (Villarreal)

Barcelona came close to signing the former Tottenham player in the summer, and with Hector Bellerin struggling for form, he is seen as a solution to the club’s right-back issues. Reports in Mundo Deportivo recently stated that he remains an option.

Ruben Neves (Wolves)

Barca are in the market for a defensive midfielder with Sergio Busquets playing what is likely his final season at Camp Nou, and Wolves captain Ruben Neves has emerged as a possibility. Xavi reportedly sees him more as one half of a double pivot than as the lone metronome Busquets is, but a move shouldn't be ruled out.

Benjamin Pavard (Bayern)

Out of favour at Bayern Munich, Pavard is still on Barcelona’s shortlist after being associated with the club in the summer. Has the benefit of being able to play on the right or in the centre of the defence and has plenty of experience at a big club.

Javi Guerra (Valencia)

Barcelona need to find a replacement for Sergio Busquets and young Valencia player Javi Guerra could be just the ticket. The 19-year-old has been starring for his side’s ‘B’ team this season and has caught the eye of Barca and Real Madrid. Consequently, he could soon find himself on the move.

Thomas Meunier (Dortmund)

Having failed in an attempt to sign him in the summer, Barcelona could return for Thomas Meunier with the 31-year-old entering the final 18 months of his contract. The Belgian has seen his minutes at right-back split between him and Niklas Sule and Dortmund may opt to cash in on a player who is on the wrong side of 30, allowing Barca to secure an experienced stopgap to their problem position.

Arnau Martinez (Girona)

Should Barca prefer a long-term solution at right-back, they have a ready-made option whom they are already familiar with. Arnau Martinez came through the La Masia academy but was released aged 13 and eventually joined Girona, where he has made more than 50 appearances by age 19. He has impressed during his debut La Liga season and reportedly has a release clause of €20m, meaning Barcelona would be able to seal a deal with minimal fuss.

Inigo Martinez (Bilbao)

From one Martinez to another, Barcelona have already agreed to sign Inigo from Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in the summer, according to reports. The 31-year-old was considered as a replacement for Gerard Pique and Barca may look to accelerate plans to sign Martinez in January to add depth following their vice-captain’s retirement.

Youssoufa Moukoko (Dortmund)

Barca are believed to have made Youssoufa Moukoko one of their top targets of the summer, with the breakout Dortmund star out of contract at the end of the season. The 18-year-old has yet to agree terms on a new deal and, if he decides against renewing, Dortmund may consider selling him in January to avoid losing him on a free.